Trails Through Time

The Trails Through Time exhibit details the history of Beltrami County from the time the glaciers receded to the mid-20th century. Funded by a grant from the George W. Neilson Foundation, this exhibit features new displays and interactive touchscreen stations, and highlights a variety of photographs and artifacts from the History Center’s extensive collections.

Revisiting Beltrami County

This rephotography exhibit features historical images from the Beltrami County Historical Society's collections and new, present-day photographs from photographer Todd Geiger, highlighting change over time. Experience the uniqueness, beauty, and changes of Beltrami County through high-quality photographs, displays of camera technologies, and an interactive touchscreen with "then and now" images.

On display in the Beltrami County History Center hallway and Research Room, on a touchscreen display in the Trails Through Time exhibit, and online here.

Baskets & Beads: Weaving Traditions

Showcasing The John G. Morrison Collection (opened November, 2010)

At its most basic, weaving consists of interlacing two sets of strands, called the warp and the weft. This seemingly simple technique has resulted in a stunning diversity of woven items through the use of variations and adaptations of the basic weave. The Ojibwe, along with other Native tribes, have long been skilled in weaving techniques of various kinds, producing items for their own use, and to sell or trade. This exhibit explores two applications of weaving: basketry and beaded items.

The Railroad

Located in the Great Northern Depot Telegraph Office, this exhibit highlights the depots, railroads, and workers that helped shape Beltrami County and northern Minnesota. Visitors experience the region's railroad history through photographs, maps, stories, artifacts, and interactive tools and a working telegraph. Funded in part thanks to a grant from the BNSF Railway Foundation.

When Beltrami Went to War: a W.W.I. Centennial Exhibit

The Beltrami County Historical Society commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. entry into the “Great War” with a new, temporary exhibit. A selection of artifacts, photographs, apparel and documentation trace the steps leading to World War 1, America’s mobilization in 1917, and the conflict’s toll on Minnesota residents. Memorabilia illustrating Beltrami County involvement is on display, including uniform parts, a canteen and mess kit, and a swatch of fabric retrieved from a fallen enemy combatant by Ralph Gracie, the first person from Bemidji to die in combat. His legacy lives on in the modern era through the American Legion post and memorial park bearing his name. Also featured are May MacGregor Given, a Minnesota nurse who served overseas, and historic depictions of the Great Northern Depot, from which many service members started their journeys abroad. On view through November.